Motor and motive system



June 25, 1935. R. A. coFFMAN 2,005,913

MOTOR AND MQTVE SYSTEM Filed May 11j 1951 1 3 sheets-sheet 1 June25, 1935. R. A. coFFMAN MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May ll, 19.51

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June 25, 1935. R. A. coFFMAN MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM Filed May 11, 1951 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 25, 1935. R. A. coFFMAN MOTOR AND MoTIvE SYSTEM Filed May 11, 1931 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 a IIVENTOR lJune 25, 1935. y R. A, ox-FMAN 2,005,913

l MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM Filed May 1l, 1931 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 Illlllllllllrll June 25, 1935. R. A. coFFMAN 2,005,913

MOTOR AND MOTIVE -SYSTEM Filed May 11,` 1951 13 sheets-sheet 6 R. A. coFFMAN Filed May` l1, 1931` 13 Sheets-Sheet '7 am ,'/W

INVENToR 0, G/

June 25,1935.

MOTOR AND MoTvE SYSTEM June 25, '1935.' R, A COFFMAN 2,005,913

MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM Filed May ll, 1951 15 Sheets-Sheet 8 Q INVENTOR dsbm: val, Y 1

June 25, 1935. R. A. cor-FMAN 2,005,913

MOTOR AND MOTIVE SSTEM Filed May 1l, 1931 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 June 25, 1935. RQ A coFFMAN 2,005,913 MOTOR AND MoTlvE SYSTEM l Filed May 11, 1951 1s sheets-Sheet 1o im* if June 25, 1935.

R. A. COFFMAN MOIVOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM Filed May l1, 1931 15 Sheets-Sheet l1 igs.

June 25, 19357 A R, A, coFMAN 2,005,913

MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM INVENTOR QW a, Wwf

Jung 25, 1935. i R. Av. coFFMAN 2,005,913

' MOTOR AND MOTIVE SYSTEM v v Filed May l1, 1931 lSSheets-Sheet 13 f1g36. gy. F7-940. fig@ l l l t l l l l l l l l l l l I i INVENTOR gslwe 0.

Y' Patented June 25, 1935 l i UNiTiizD sTMi-"`.sA PATENT (oi-FICE Application May 11, 1931, Serial No. 536,38 e In Canada August 1, 1930 i 12 Claims (Cl. 60-44) The present invention relates broadly to mocooling be converted into a condensate, provitive devices and more particularly to a combinasion is therefore made for effecting an automatic tion including an improved motive device of the and complete scavenging of the motor and of the fluid pressure type and a system associated theresystem to thereby preclude `the possibility of a' with elective under predetermined vconditions for moisture content forming and remaining within 5 delivering to the motive device fluid pressure in the motor or system such as would interfere with such amount as to produce an actuation thereof. a succeeding operation. This scavenging oper- While it is contemplatedin accordance with ation takes place after both the combustion of the present invention that the improved' motive the fuel and work operation are completed but device itself may be utilized directly as a prime While the temperature of the gasesl is maintained 10 mover,y it is particularly useful as a starting motor Well above the temperature 0f COIldenSetiOn by for internen combustion engines, and more espethe dissipation 0f the sO-called skin heat stored cially engines of the Character utilized for' wirr` in the surfaces of the metal on the internalpart tion purposes. Where so used it is essential that 0f the System exposed 150 Jthe higher temperature the starting motor be capable of developing the 0f the fuel COmlOuSt-OII- .This feature Ofvthe iu- 15 required torque for eecting lrotation of the in- VentiOn iS 0f particular importance When the x trnal combustion engine quickly and ecientiy. motive system is of such characteristics that the .These attributes of operation musi; be obtained ignition of part of the fuel is initiated at a point with a motor having a minimum weight and of remote to the motor to thereby generate sufcient 20 extremely compact construction. In accordance ges pressure 'G0 propel e maler POI'OII 0f the fuel 20 with the present invention there is provided a toeeiherwith ignited particles of fuel through the motor satisfying requirements of the character 'system to a point closely adjacent the motor itself set forth, and at the same time suciently power- Where the cerrlbuSiiOrl iS completed t0 build ulJ ful to itself serve as a prime mover under e'ondiand maintain suiucieni pressure fOr the working tions requiring a limitedamount of rotative move- Operation.' f

ment. v v l Repeated successful operations are assured by Ineoxnbination with the motor there is'prothe use of carefully selected fuel comprising a vided a motive system including means for promixture or deck-loading of Pellets embcdyug ducing operatingpressure for the motoig This different ignition and combustion characteristics,

necessarily, consists of a combustible solid fuel tiiOuShiD between the total capacity, including the containing sucient oxygen to support itsown increasing capacity due 120 the mOVing Dart and combustion with a 'minimum of residual ash, the raie 0f pressure increase due 130 ges fOrluatiOn Such material may be varied to obtain the proper .and Superheai-ing. .Gases 0f the general cher- 35 balance of. power necessary to perform the` proacter generated by such fuel are known to have 35 vposed Work operation, which will vary undereirlight density and to cool instantly so that it is i tremes-of temperature and other conditions. By necessary in order to maintain their expansion ,employing a fuel of this nature and`burning the .and pressure cciency t0 Subject them to the major .portion of the charge in close proximity to direct contact "of the flames from the burning the part to be-moved, I amiable v'to gradually'buildv fuel. Such gases may be said to be Superheated 40 up a cushioning body of gases while subjecting and the greatest eiliciency is obtained in a system them to the heat derived from their own combuswherein such superheated gases and said Vflames tion and thereby maintain an lundiminished gasv are in Contact ai a 4point immediately adjacent pressure for 'such period of time-asv is necessary 'A ,the Dart t0 be mOVedc 4D- tosuccessfully performthe'designated work op V That such superheated gases are essential .to 45 eration. .Inv-accordance with one embodiment of the operation of my system is shown clearly by the invention, the systemmay be ofthemultiple ;4 my earlier experimentation where I- found that typeincluding a'plurality of means ofthe charr' gases generated at a point remote to the part 'acter 4referred to, whereby a'. series of impulses 'to be moved and transferred without superheating 00 is made possiblel in comparatively rapid succesto a pointeadjac'ent to the part to be moved if 50 sion. r l y v they produced pressure sufficient to move the said Inasmuch as the combustible solidfuel of the part would further cool under the expansion perabovecharacter is responsible for the generation mitted bythe moving part, and immediately cause of gas and/or steamunder the heat derivedfrom the pressure to fall oil? appreciably, while in my the combustion of said fuel, which gases will upon present system lwhen the said part starts to move 55 ,last mentioned means preferably, although not and selected according to the predetermined relathere is no falling oi of pressure but in fact the pressure continues to build up under the expansion permitted by the moving part to the maximum pressure where it is then maintained for a sufficient period of time tofinsurethe completion of the designated working operation'.

The primary object of my invention is to provide means whereby such superheating of gases, enables me to maintain maximum pressure of gases at a time when they are subject to the exi pansion caused by the movement of the part to be moved and to this end, I have provideda burning chamber embodying a screen or grid element `to hold back the burning fuel and yet permitof ingA up of the fuel pellets upon arrival at Vthe burning chamber and thereby increasing theirburning surfaces to generate gas too rapidly instead of building up slowly in order to avoid shock, it is necessary to 4introduce in the system an annular burning chamber or housing` intowhich the major'portion of thefuel enters tangentially and whereby a vcontinuous whirling movement against the outer wall 0f said chamber is imparted to such portion of the fuel until consumed. A 1

It is further desirable in a motive system of the character referred to, to make provision for the dissipation of pressure in the event of an undue accumulation. The present system therefore further contemplates a safety feature which will become effective for relieving pressure in case the pressurevis built up -to a point beyondthat for which the apparatus is designed.

With charges offuel of'the character referred to, it is desirable further to make provision against the premature opening of the mechanism containing the charge, or the premature igniting, or burning thereof,l The invention therefore contemplates a safety device in the form of a breech closure or mechanism for the charge which precludes ignition of the charge until the mechanism is properly assembled.

The invention further contemplates improvements with respect to the manner of supplying the desired pressure to the apparatus. In this respect, due to the facility with which cartridges or shells may be handled, transported and red, I preferably make use of a shell type of charge, and provide a breech mechanism which will effectively receive suchl a charge.

Other features of the invention will be apparent and become better understood-by reference more line II-II of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; c

Figure 3 is a view partly in side elevation and partly broken away for the purpose-of illustratiing the construction of the member;

Figure 4 is a. transverse sectional view on the line IV-IV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a detail sectional view illustrating a slightly different means for producing operating pressure for the motor;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 illustrating still another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a vtransverse sectional view on the line VII- VII of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows; i I

Figure 8` is a partial longitudinal sectional view along theline VIII-VIII of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure y9 is a detail. view illustrating a modied form of means for producing the operating pressure for the motor;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic elevationalview ,illustrating an embodiment of the invention slightly different from that shown in Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a v iew similar to Figure 1, illustrating; however, another embodiment of the -invention; f

Figure 12 is a detail sectional view on the line XII-XII of AFigure 11;

Figure 13 is an end elevational view of a slightly modified embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 13;

'Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a' form of breech mechanism such as that shown diagrammatically in -Figure 10;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15, illustrating certain of theparts broken away and certain of the parts in section;

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the breech mechanism of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional -viewthrough the breech mechanism of Figures15, 16

and 17.

Figure 19 is an end .elevational -view of the breech mechanism just referred to;

Figure 20 is a detail sectional view on the line Figure 22 is a detail sectional view on theline )QUI- XXII of Figure 16, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 23 is a detail sectional view on the line XXIII-XXIII of Figure 16, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 24 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the exhaust valve'for the motor of Figure 11;

Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 15 mus; trating another embodiment of the invention with respect to breech mechanism;

Figure 26 is a view of the breech mechanism of Figure 25 showing certain of the parts broken away and in section;

Figure 27 is a longitudinal sectional view Ythrough the breech mechanism of Figures 25 and 26; A Figure 28 is aside elevational view of ,a

"modified 'form of safety release;

Figure 29 isa detail sectional view of the safety openings in the flange and projectirfginto the' Cil - aooaeis Figure 52 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified form of shell. j

In carrying out the present invention, there may be provided a housing I, of substantially cylindrical shape, having at one end thereof a ange 2 adapted to support the motor in position. Where used as a starting motor for internal combustion engines, this ange will -beof such construction as to permit the motor to be bolted or otherwise secured in the desi-red relationship to such internal combustion engine by vmeans of bolts 3 extending through suitable crank case 4 -of the internal combustion engine. In view of the requirements ina device of this character for lightness of construction, the housing I is preferably formed of aluminum or other similar material. Due to the characteristics of such material, the openings through which the fastening bolts 3 extend may be reinforced by sleeves 5 of relatively harder material effective for successfully preventing any tendency toward relative rotative movement between the housing and the support-to which it is connected.

At its opposite end, the housing is provided with a second flange 6 of relatively smaller dimensions adapted to cooperate indirectly with a similar flange 'I on a cylinder 8. In the preferred embodiment of my` invention the cylinder and flange are secured together on opposite sides o'f an outwardly projecting flange 9 formed on a sleeve, I8, theconnection being accomplished by a split clamping ring I I as illustrated particularly in Figures l and 2 of the drawings. Extending through the respective flanges 6 and 9 on the `housing and sleeve respectively are bushings I2 of a construction generally similar to that of the bushing 5 before described, but serving in addition to the function of tying together the respective flanges against relative rotation, the further function of providing exhaust ports from the interior of the cylinder 8.

The sleeve III as herein illustrated projects'in opposite directions from the general plane of the ange 9, and is formed on its inner surface with threads or splines I3, having a pitch determined by the duty to be performed by the motor.

Cooperating with the splines I3 is a driving member I4, herein illustrated-as being of generally cylindrical shape, and having on its exterior surface threads or splines I5 of the same pitch as those of the parts I3, and adaptedfor interengag'ement therewith. This inter -engagement is such that upon reciprocation of the driving member I4 to the left, as viewed in Figurel of .the drawings, it will have imparted thereto a rotative movement about the axis a of the motor.

For effecting thefdesired reciprocating movement of theV driving. member I4, there maybe provided a piston I6, having. suitable packing or packing rings I'h-for cooperation with the walls of the cylinder IIA and of such dimensionsand type as to provide a minimum clearance therebetween.

Formed on the head of .the cylinder 8 `i san externally threaded boss I8 adapted to receive an annular combustion or expansion housing I9,

which ispreferably' threaded thereon. This com- 'I bustion housing is ccnvenientlyof the constructionI illustrated more particularly in Figure 4 of Ithe drawings, Vwherein the inlet 28 is shown as extending into the housing generally tangentially thereof. Projecting outwardly from the boss I8 7 is a series of ribs 2l suitably spaced to provide a grating or grid separating' the'interior of the housing I9 from the interior of the cylinder in such manner as to permit the passage of -fluid pressure consisting of expanded gases and the flames of combustion from the housing I 9 for actuating the piston I 6 while preventing the passage into the cylinder of foreign material. Upon the accumulation of sufficient pressure Within the housing I9, this pressure will be transmitted to the cylinder 8 and will be effective against the piston I 6 for imparting a longitudinal motion thereto.

In order to provide a light construction, the cylinder is conveniently of a non-rusting material including the non-corrosive faculty to acid derlved from the fuels used most advantageously in the system such asa chrome steel, while the piston I6 is conveniently of a high tensile Istrength special light weight bronze alloy having high acid resisting qualities. The provision of a suitable packing I'I between these parts gives the desired wearing surface and permits the use of the desired metals in both the cylinder and piston.

As before-pointed out, reciprocation of the piston I6 produces corresponding longitudinal movement of the driving member I4. Due, however, to the inter-engagement of the threads or spl'nes I3 and I5,'longitudinal movement of the driving member is necessarily accompanied by a rotative movement thereof. If desired, the connection between the driving member and the piston is preferably such as to permit relative rotation therebetween. This may be effected by the use of a ring 22 holding the driving member and piston in the desired assembled relationship, a hard ibre washer 22' affording a bearing surface therebetween.

In order to amplify the rotative movement of the .driving member and transmit such amplified i rotation to a driven member 23, the driving member is provided on its inner'surface'with threads or splines 24, similar to those before referred to,-

and adapted to cooperate with siniilar threads or splines 25 on the exterior surface of the driven memberl 23. The threads or splines 24 'and 25, however, are preferably of-the opposite hand from the threads or splines I3 and I5.- By reason of this construction, it will be apparent that the rotationimparted to the driving member upon reciprocation of the piston'is amplified, and the amplified rotation -transmitted to the driven member 23.

By vreason of this rotation amplification, it ,i s possible with a compact motor affordinga comparatively short stroke, to impart a considerable rotative movement to the driven member 23, thereby making it available directly as a prime mover or-as a startingdevice for an internal combustion engine. Where used as such-a starting device, the driven member may be provided on one end with suitable clutch teeth 26 adapted for engagement with similar means 21 on a part 28, to which rotation is to be imparted.

fect inter-engagement of these means, a limited movement to bring the means intoA engagement, thedriven member may be rotated to effect the desired rotation of the engine or other mechanism 28 to be rotated. In order tov insure such :longitudinal movement is required. Afterv such" movement, the driven member '23 has, projecting 23 to the extent desired. Thereafter the springs 29 will yield outwardly to an extent sufficient to permit the passage of the head 30 therebetween.

It will be understood that in the initial forward movement of the'piston I6, the driven member 23 is not caused to rotate with respect to the driving member I4, but upon the contrary turns slowly with and moves forwardly with said driving member I4 until it encounters the resistance oifered by the teeth of the part 2li.v It is 'only after this 'resistance is encountered that relative rotation between .the parts I2 and 23 takes place.

In order to transmit the end thrust of the driven member 23 to a suitable bearing, it is conveniently provided with a shoulder 32 adapted, when in its extreme outward position, to engage an inwardly projecting shoulder 33 o'n a sleeve 34. This sleeve is so shaped as to overlie a suitablethrust bearing 35 within the housing I, so that with the driven member in its extreme outer position the end thrust is transmitted directly to the housing.

The present invention also preferably includes improved means for automatically controlling the exhaust of the fluid pressure from the cylinder upon completion of each operation. This exhaust control may be effected by providing an exhaust valve 36 adapted to cooperate with an exhaust port 3'I conveniently formed in the annular housing I9, and communicating with an exhaust connection 38 leading to any desired point. In the case of an airplane, for example, this exhaust connection will `lead to a point exteriorly of the fuselage. The valve 36 is carried by a stem 39 which is of such a length that with the piston in its position as indicated in Figure l, a shoulder 40 on the stem will bear against the piston whereby the piston mechanism assists in maintaining the exhaust valve tightly against its seat -in opposition to a spring 4|. This seating is further assisted by means of a second spring 42 within the sleeve 3| and bearing against the sleeve at one end and against an enlarged head 43 on the stem 39 at the other end. At the, commencement of an operative cycle ofthe motor such as occasioned by the delivery' of uid pressure tothe chamber I9, this pressure will also tend to maintain the exhaust valve closed even after the piston has 4commenced its movement.

As the piston reaches the end of its movement, a coil spring- 44 within the sleeve 3| and surrounding the stem 39 will be brought into engagement with the head-43 and, when this spring has been compressed to the required ex tent, will be effective to aid in unseating the exhaust valve. At this time the shoulder 40 on the valve st em will be out of engagement with `the piston and the` spring 42 will be out of enformedintegrally with the screen structure 2| on the boss I8. Y n

The piston havi g completed its operative stroke, and the exhau t valve having been opened, the piston will be urged on its return stroke by a -coil spring 46.. During this return movement,

the exhaust valve being held open, the cylinder will be effectively scavenged. Due tothe action of the spring 4| the valve will remain open until such time as the spring 42^builds up a suiiicient pressure against the shoulder 43 on. the valve stem for again seating the valve, it being understood that the spring 42 is somewhat heavier than the spring 4I. insures closing movement of the valve at the t me the piston has substantially completed its return movement, the closing being cushioned through the action of the spring means which initiates the closing movement. As the piston completes its return movement, it engages the shoulder 4U, thus positively holding the valve againstv opening movement. There is thus provided a motor with a'utomatically' controlled exhaust means,which ex- Y haust means is of such constructiomas to remain open during the major portion of the return stroke of the piston so as to insure substantially complete scavenging.

The means illustrated in Figure 1 for obtaihing thedesired operating pressure comprises a firing chamber 5D illustrated as containing a cartridge 5| within which is a priming charge 52 and a combustible charge 53. The lfiring chamber is provided with a cap 54 effective for maintaining a firing pin 55 in position. Upon actuation of the firing pin, the priming 'charge will be ignited, thereby serving to propel the combustible charge 53.0ut of the ring chamber through the outlet 56 and tube 51 to the inlet 20 `of the ,expansion or combustion chamber I9.

Within this chamber the combustion charge will burn, thereby generating gases which in turn will set up the pressure conditions required. It will be apparent that the screen or grid structure 2| is eifective for permitting the passage of a heating flame therethrough for expanding the gases within the cylinder, while preventing the fuel, or any other foreign material within the system, from entering the cylinder itself.

I have illustrated the` firing chamberl 50 as equipped with a safety device in the form of a rupturable diaphragm 58 adapted to be broken in case the pressure conditions within the system exceed the maximum pressure for which it is designed. This rupturable diaphragm may be detachably 4held in position by a suitable nut 53 by means of' which it can be removed and replacedA as may be required.

A In Figure 5' there is illustrated a slightly modi- Y tain types of charges, or in cases where the firing chamber is in close Yproximity to the cylinder itself, this construction may be considered vpreferable inasmuch as it maintains all of the combustible material at a distance from the motor itself. The firing chamber provides an expansion space 6I' 'for the gases. It will be apparent,

howeverfthat such a structure permits a consider'able loss of heat while travelling from the firing chamber to the housing I9-, so that the' gases when they enter the cylinder itself are at a A flange 69 on the cap protects all of the ring pins exceptl the one directly under the hammer and thereby prevents the simultaneous firing of a plurality of charges. The composite firing chamber has an outlet connection 10 adapted to connect to the motor through a suitable pipe 1|. In accordance with the characteristics of the charge, the outlet connection may either be provided with a suitable screen 12, or such screen may be completely eliminated as before described. At such time as the cap 61 is rotated to bring the hammer 68 lin registration with one of the ringpins, a rotatable valve 13'is actuated to connect the operative firing chamber to the outlet connection and to cut off the remaining firing chambers therefrom. 'Ihis arrangement makes it possible to re a series of charges in rapid succession where such an'operation is desired.

In Figure 9 there is illustrated a slightly different type of charge characterized by a so-called `electric match 14 having leads 15 and 16 therefrom adapted to be joined to a suitable circuit foreffecting ignition of the electric match.

With combustible'mixtures ofthe character such as now available, there is a tendency toward moisture generation during combustion. If this moisture were permitted to remain within the system, it would seriously interfere withthe proper burning of a subsequent charge particularly under conditions of operation in which the charge is propelled to a point adjacent the motor itself and at which point it burns. For this reason, an automatic exhaust system of the general character herein referred to is particularly der sirable. 'I'he conditions under which the present apparatus operates are such that, as before stated, moisturein liquid form is never present in the apparatus. When the charge is red into the combustion chamber, the temperaturefgenerated is so high that the skin of the metal of the parts is heated to a very considerable degree and much above the boiling point of water. The complete cycle of normal operation requires only about one and one-half seconds, and more than half of this time is consumed in the building up of the temperature and pressure tothe maximum degree. Consequently, the exhaust period consumes only about one-half second and the skin of the metal can not cool in thisshort time to a point below the boiling point of water.

exhausted in that form.

The present invention possesses the many advantages of highstarting torque with a compact and extremely light motor. 'I'he system including'the motor is also of such characteristics 'as to enable it to be easily added to standard structures where it is desired to use the same for starting purposes, and enables it to be set up as an independentunit where the motor is to serve itself as a prime mover.

In Figure 10 there is illustrated a slightly dif- As a result any moisture existing'inthe system existsalways in the form of superheated steam and is ferent embodiment of the invention. In this figure there is shown a breech mechanism particularly effective for containing the shell which furnishes the operating pressure for the motor. fI'he breech mechanism has its outlet port connected through a conductor 8| to the inlet and pressure chamber 82 of a starting motor B3 which -is shown in assembled relationship to an internal combustion engine 84Y which is to be started. The inlet or pressure chamber 82 is shown as having an exhaust connection 85 leading to any desired point which, in case of an airplane, will be outside of the fuselage. A suitable firing circuit 86 for the breech mechanism is also diagrammatically shown.

In Figure 11 there is illustrated-in detail section a starting motor of the character shown in outline in Figure l0.- This starting motor is generally of the construction illustrated in detail'in Figure l and parts corresponding thereto 'are designated by the same reference characters having a prime afxed thereto. In addition to certain detail features of construction, the starting motor differsfrom the form of Figure 1 principally with respect to the inlet or pressure chamber 82 and with respect to both the exhaust valve mechanism and the safety mechanisml 81. The exhaust is automatically'effected through .the medium of4 an exhaust valve 36 cooperating with an exhaust porti-Z1' leading tothe exhaust connection 85. The valve 36' is' carried by a stem 39 of such length that with the piston in its extreme position of Figure 11, a shoulder 40 on the stern will bear against the piston whereby the piston itself assists in maintaining the exhaust valve tightly against its seat. This seating is further assisted by means of spring fingers 42 on the cage 45', the ends of thefng'ers being shaped to cooperate with recesses 39" so located that with the fingers in one of the grooves the valve will be held wide open, while with the iin- -gers in the other groove (see Figure 24) the- .valvewill be in closed position.

'The pressure chamber 82 communicates directly with the safety device 81 which is effective in case of excessive pressures, of dissipating the same and protectingthe motor against injury. 'I'his is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 12 ascomprising a plunger 88 operative Within a cylinder 88 provided with exhaust ports 90 normally closed by a sleeve valve 9|. vUpon-the existence of-pressure within the chamber 82, the

plunger 88 will be gradually raised. Should the pressure become excessive, the plunger will be raised to such an extent as to lift the sleeve .9| through the medium of a cross beam 92, and uncover' the exhaust ports 90. The upward movement of the plunger 88' is restricted or retarded to the desired extent by means of a tensionv spring 93 of such strength .as to yield only'under abnormal pressure conditions.

In many cases during my sub-zero experimentations, and particularly at temperatures ranging around 20 below zero, l have found that powder may be vconveyed directly to' the chamber 82 without complete burning'thereof,v and that such unburned powder may be ignited upon a subsequent operation, thereby producing too great-ayolume of gases and consequently too high/a pressure. In such case injury to the apparatus is` precluded by the safety device just described.

In Figures 13 and 14 .'there'is sho'wn a slightly modied form of safety release. In these V,figures the pressure lchamber 82A is shown as havinga pressurefsupply' connection 94 by means of which the compressed fluid or. pressure forming material is delivered to -the chamber 82'. This chamber has -an outlet connection 95 through which the exhaust normally occurs, the outlet connection 95 communicating to a main exhaust line 96. 'I he exhaust line 96 is, however, directly connected .to the pressure chamber 82 by means of suitable couplings 91, free communication-being precluded by a rupturable disk 98. `In case of excessive'pressure, the disk 98 will be ruptured, and the exhaust will take place directly from the chamber 82 into the line 98, thereby preventing :injury to the motor or its associated parts.

In Figures 15 to 23, both inclusive, there isv illustrated 'an improved form'of breech or :tiring mechanism adapted to be utilized in llieu of that heretofore described. This mechanism comprises a shell chamber of substantially cylindrical form adapted to receive the combustible pressure supplyingcharge. At-its outlet end the chamber |00 is provided with a threaded extension |0| connected to the conduit 8| shown in Figure 10 and eiective for transmitting the desired .pressure to the pressureand burning chamber which communicates with the cylinder. IThe chamber |00 is likewise formed with a laterally extending port |02 communicating with a cylinder |03 as illustrated in detail in Figure 23. This cylinder is provided with a plunger I 04 formed at its upper end with a valve |05. lnthe event of excessive pressure -in the chamber |00, this. pressure will be eiectiveagainst the under-side of the valve |05 for raising the same against the resistance `of a spring |06 and thereby opening the cylinder |03 to atmospheric exhaust through ports' |01. This precludes the generation of a dangerous pressure condition within the ring chamber.

Extending around the chamber |00 is an attaching flange |08, illustrated in detail in Figure 18, adapted to befsecured to the firing chamberby means of a bolt |09 extending through a boss' |0 on the ange. Extending in alinement with the boss I |0 is a lateral extension I II projectingpfromL the lower wall of the ring chamber. The projection lI and the boss' 0 areshaped attheir adjacent ends to provide a bearing for a breech\ locking bolt I I2 which carries an actuating handle- .i I4. This locking bolt adjacent its end portions provides journals ||5 fora breech closure IIS adapted to be swung upwardly into the full line positions of Figures 15 to 18 both inclusive,

or downwardJytO permit access to the chamberl |00. When in its d'own position a shell as here#- inafter described is inserted into the firing' chamber. Such a shell indicated in dotted linesinh Figure 18. Thereafter the handle ||4 is swung downwardlyin a counter-clockwise direction to the position shown in Figure 15, thereby swinging the boit ll-z in aclockwisedirection as viewed in VFigure 18.

This movement of the bolt I I2 will cause a camming surface.||1. thereon to mo've a locking pin 4 ||8 tothe right, as viewed in Figure 18, against 'the action of a'. spring ||9. The locking pin .IIB is carried in the projection III, and upon move- Y ment'in the direction vreferred to will engage a bolt |20 and move it to the right against the action In effecting thisl movement, the lockingl\ pi n`||8 will necessarily follow the bolt, thereby entering the bolt recess within the pressure closure, thus locking the breech closure to the ring chamber and precluding the possibility of accidental opening movement'of the breech closure. Continued rotation o1 the bolt ||2 will be effective through the medium of a. lever |22' 18, they are in contacting engagement with 'a' short circuiting plate |28. The firing pins |25 are movable'through an insulating bushing |29, and are mounted in the guide |24 which is like- Vwise of non-conducting material. The two sides of an electric circuit are connected to the mountings |21. By using a shell of special construction as hereinafter more fully described, it will be apparent that inward movement of the iiring pins is thus effective for completing a firing circuit, it=being impossible, however', to establish a firing circuit until after the locking pin I8 has locked the breech closure in position.

'Ihe circuit having been closed, and the shell having been red, to produce combustion of the charge carried thereby,'and the pressure having been transmitted to the starting motor for startingpurpose's, the breech closure may be swung to open position with safety. This is accomplished by returning the handle ||4 to its full line position of Figure 18, thereby releasing the locking pin' ||8 with a consequent reverse movement of tha-bolt |20, lever |22, slide |24 and firing pin |255l Upon the initial downward movement of the breech closure, an offset |30 on a spring nger |3|,` attached to the breech closure as indicated at |32 gradually comes downwardly into engagement with the free end of a bell crank lever |33 (see Figure 16). Thiscauses thev bell crank lever to swing in a counter-clockwise 'direction about its pivotal mounting |34, thus moving a spring engaging arm |35 to the left as viewed in Figure 16 and to the right as\ viewed in Figure 18. This movement gradually compresses an ejecting spring |36 whichbears at its opposite end against an ejector |31.

Movement of: the ejector |31 at :this time is prevented due to the retaining action of a pawl |38 This pawl is carried by a bell crank lever |39 normally held in its full line position of -Figure 16 by a spring |40. Continued counter-clockwise rotation of the lever |33 brings the same into engagement with an offset 14| thereon, thereby swinging the bell`crank lever |39 in a counterclockwise direction about its pivotal mounting.

by alpinV las mated within a s1ot- |44 in the ejector. Continued downward movement of the breech closure II6 moves the offset |30 out of engagement with the bell crank lever |33, thereby permitting continued unrestricted downward movement of the breechclosure and the insertion koi a fresh shell.

1 1nv Figures 25, 2e ander, there is inustraced a slightly modied embodiment of the. structure.

just described, corresponding parts,howev'er, being designated by the same reference characters having a prime affixed thereto. With this construction, when the breech closure, H6' reaches the chain\line position A the ejector action is started. This is caused by the engagement effected at this time between an offset |30 on the spring |3,| and a projection |45 on bell crank lever |33', which causes the bell crank lever to start moving in a counter-clockwise direction. This movement causes the arm |35 to move the ejector |31V This movement continues until the breech closure reaches the position B, at which time the offset |30' is disengaged from the bell `crank lever, the ejector at this time-being in its dotted position. Thereafter the breech closure may be moved. to its extreme open position C, ready for the next loading operation.

In this form of the invention the firing pin |25 is mounted within an insulating sleevev |46 carried by slide |24'. 4The firing pin carries a binding post |41 to which one side of an electric circuit may be connected, the opposite side being connected to the housing at any desired point.

In Figures 28 and 29 thereis illustrated a modified form of safety release. In these igures there is shovm a pressure chamberl |48 adapted to be secured in any desired manner to the starting motor cylinder, and provided with an outlet connection |49. Communicating with this connection is a rupturable disk |50 which'is caused to rupture in case of excessive pressure and permit dissipation or" the accumulated pressure. The disk may be renewed by removing the protective cap as will be readily apparent.

In Figures 32` and 33 lthere is illustrated one form of shell |52 which ,may be utilized in accordance withthepresent invention. Mounted at a 'suitable point within the 'shell is an electric match |53 having a terminal |54 extending to a position. directly over an opening |55'through which the firing pin before described may pass. The opposite terminal |56 leads to a point |51 exteriorly of the shell so as to be in electrical co-ntact with the breech closure. Withthis construction, as soon-as the firing pin engages the tervminal 54 the circuit is completed and the match |53 ignited. i In Figure V.'54 a similar match |58 is shown more closely adjacentthcextreme end of the shell.' By a suitable location ofthe match, the point of initial combustion of the combustible charge within the shell may be controlled and varied, whereby the desired conditions may be more readily obtained. With the construction as shown in Figure 34', combustion starts substantiallyat the extreme oute` end of the shell and gradually continues backwardly, while with the construction of Figure 32 the combustion may `b`e initiated at a point which will cause part of thecharge to be propelled through into the pressur'e. chamber on the motorfwherein combustion' will be completed. l c

` In Figures 30 and 31-there is illustrated al modified embodiment of the invention in-which an electric match |60 has its terminals |'B| and |62 connected to contacts |63 and ||54 respectively, both located in depressions |65. The shell is formed with 1a. centering recess v|66 which precludes insertion of the same int'o the firing chamber except in a predetermined position. Withsuch .a shell the ring pins will be duplicated, one pin being provided for each ofthe contacts described. V i

In Figures 36-and 37 there i's shown a modied embodiment 'of the invention withthe contacts- :61 located in a'slot' |38 into` which the firing mechanism will project.

In Figures 38 and 39 the shell is shownas having a central contact |69 terminating flush with the base of the shell, the opposite contactbeing connected to a conducting band |10. In Figures 40 and 41 a similar construction is illustrated with the contacts |1| terminating in. depressions |12, while in Figures 42 and 43 the contacts |13 terminate in a common slot |14.

- Figures 44 and 45 illustrate a construction similar to that of Figures 37 and 38 with the exception that the contacts |15 |16.

In Figures 46 and 47 the shell is shown as having two contacts |11 both terminating ilushwith the base |18. In Figures 48 and 49 there is illustrated a form of shell in whichcentering means is not required. This construction embodies a substantially central contact |19 with an offset contact |80 in electrical connection with a conducting ring ISI.

In Figures 50and 51 there is shown a shell similar to that of Figures 32 and 34, in which, however, the match |82 is located adjacent the base of the shell so asto be elective'for ejecting substantially the entire charge prior to complete burning thereof.

In Figure 52 the match |83 is shown as located in a cavity A|84 adjacent` the extreme outer end of theA charge |85 so as to effect a slow burning .of the charge from its extreme outer end. The

charge I8 comprises a preformed b ody of combustible material cemented' to the base "|86. In

Vvcase the charge becomes extinguished after combustion has started, the unburned portion of the charge will be removed with the shell.

Any one of the shells herein illustrated may be utilized with the breech closures described by a simple change in the number and location of the firing pins, the construction in each case being such that accidental firing until properly engaged by the firing pin or pins is precluded.

project into a cavity A-'shell utilized in accordance with the present verted into super-heated steam thereby affording a valuable pressure increment utilized in the operation of the motor, the super-heated steam contributing its own partial pressure and volume to the gases formed in the process of combustion:v

With all f the forms of the invention there is provided a starting system'including a starting motor and a source of actuating pressure, whereby the desired actuation of the motor maybe obtained. The system also provides for the loca.

`tion of the starting motor adjacent the internalA combustion engine to be driven witl'rthe control remotely positioned with respect thereto. Ordinarily the control will be suitably mounted yadjacent the operators seat within a cockpit; of an airplane, thereby permitting the pilot to start the motor While in a position adjacentthe normalcontrols for the plane.

While Ishave herein illustrated and described certain preferred embodiments o f 'my invention,

it' will'be understood that changes' in the construction and operation of the variousfparts may be made without departing' either from the spirit 

